SECTION V

HANDLING

Handling of Elephants
Significance of Sensitive Points
Sensitive Regions
Practical Aspects of Elephant Handling
Practical Pointers
Animal Psychology as Applied to Training
Training Elephants at Elephant Camps

HANDLING OF ELEPHANTS

Dr. K.C.Panicker

Elephant being the largest land mammal and also a creature of intelligence, has to be handled very carfeully. Discussed below are some points that need to be understood, in order to handle elephants properly.

RESTRAINING DEVICES

A variety of devices are used to control elephants. They are cherukol (short stick), valiya kol (long pole), thotti (ankus). The short stick measures 3.5 -4 feet in length and is about 2-2.5 inches thick. The anterior end is rounded and thicker. The mahouts beat the elephant with that end. The stick is made from the branches of a few local trees are used. The mahout must always carry the stick with him while approaching the elephant.

Thotti or hook is 3.5 feet in length and 3 inches thick. One end is rounded and thicker than the rest. To this region an iron hook is attached. The region above the hook is flat or rounded. The regions above and around the hook are covered with brass. The hook is used to control the animal.

Valiya kol or long pole is 10.5 feet in length and 5.5 inches in thickness. On the rounded end of the pole, a piece of iron projection, of about 1 inch length is present. On the opposite end a four inch long knife is placed. Sometimes the knife is replaced by a rounded ball, made of iron. The latter inflicts pain but does not cause external injuries. The end which bears the kooru, can cause punctures and open wounds. The valiya kol is meant to be used from a distance. ie when the elephant does not allow the mahout to come close.

All the above mentioned devices must be used with extreme caution. It requires a lot of experience to understand the appropriate use of these devices. The devices must be used only as a last resort.

Chains:

Elephants may be tame or docile, but in captivity they require chains. Chains make it easier to fasten an elephant that has bolted or is out of control. They are a precaution against any accidents, damage to property and loss of life. While tethering, one chain is fastened on to one of the hindlegs an d the other to a tree or solid object. If an elephant is mischievous, one of the hind legs is also fastened to an object in front of the elephant. The chains should not be too tight. The hook on the chain must further must further be strengthened by using a small piece of plastic rope or fibre. The knots must be strong, so that the elephant is unable to open it with its trunk tip. The same chain can be used as a body chain, while the elephant is walking. One end stays on one of the hind legs and the other goes around the body. The hook on the loose end of the chain, is tied loosely to one of the links. If the chains are fastened too tightly, the elephant will not be able to walk. When the elephant bolts or goes out of control, it makes it possible for the mahout below, to snap the chain. The mahout on top can push the chain down to trail on the ground. On finding a suitable tree or post, the mahouts should try to fasten the chain.

Elephant chains should be strong and flawless. The tethering chains should be ½, 5/8 or 3/4 th inches in thickness and 21 feet in length. Hobbles should be 11 feet in length. The rope around the neck is 21 feet long and is doubled while tying around the neck. In North India, chains with spiked belts are used to fasten elephants.

MOUNTING AND RIDING

An elephant can be mounted in 8 different ways they are; mounting by front and hind legs, by ears, by trunk, and by stepping on tusks. Similarly elephants can be dismounted by 10 methods. The first eight, are the same as in mounting. The other methods are dismounting via tail and by using the body chains. While riding an elephant, it is safer to use the rope around the neck. The rider must insert his feet between the ropes and the neck, for better balance.

Foot commands:

Elephants are trained to obey foot commands at an early age. They are trained to respond to the movements of the rope around the neck. Some basic foot commands are listed below:

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BREAKING AN ELEPHANT

The breaking of an elephant in this context is different from the breaking of a horse. In Kerala, the process by which a new mahout establishes control over an elephant is called Kettiazhikkal. Elephants do not easily accept a change of mahouts. Mahouts also need time to understand the elephant’s personality.

If the previous mahout is available, the new mahout should spend time observing how he handles the elephant. He should also in the presence of the other mahout assist with chores such as cleaning the tethering area, scrubbing, feeding, etc. The elephant would thus accept the new mahout as its caretaker. Gradually the new mahout must try to make elephant perform various commands. The elephant may act aggressive initially. The mahout must control the elephants with the restarining devices or words of command. The elephant thus developes a fear for the new mahout but at the same time also learns to trust. The mahout how ever must be very careful during this initial bonding period. He must carry his restraining devices while approaching the elephant. The elephant should be properly chained ie hobbles and body chains when being taken out for walks. Thus the relationship between mahout and elephant developes gradually.

In the recent years, Kettiazhikkal has taken a violent form. Mahouts do not follow the above procedure. They attempt to control the elephant only by physical force. Several mahouts approach the elephant from various sides and inflict injuries using long pole, stick and hook. Elephants resist for a while but then they succumb to injuries and pain and allow the mahout to take control. This is not a correct method. several elephant have been severly injured and killed during kettiazhikkal. Such elephants eventually turn out untrustworthy and killers. This method is extremly cruel and must be discouraged by all those who are concerned about the welfare of elephants.

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SIGNIFICANCE OF SENSITIVE POINTS

Dr. K.C. Panicker

According to the ancient, Indian text Hastayurveda, there are 107 sensitive points on the elephant’s body. These sensitive points are called as Marmams, in Malayalam. The text says that, injuries on any one of these points can cause serious health problems to the elephant. These points are distributed through out the body and their location and numbers are discussed below.

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The marmams are classified as follows:

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Based on their location these marmams are named as follows:

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The effect of injuries on the various marmams are discussed below:

Besides the above mentioned regions, few other regions such as the anal opening, the heart, centre of the face, penis, between breasts, central pelvis, centre of the forehead bump, are also extremely sensitive to pressure or injury. There are at least 30 marmams in all these regions. Injuries are caused by excessive use of restraining devices. Mahouts have to be very careful about using their hook, long pole and stick.

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SENSITIVE REGIONS

A.K. Ponnappan

It is impossible for a mahout to remember all the 107 marmams on the elephant’s body. Listed below are some sensitive parts and regions and the effect of injury to these regions. Some of the region have been listed by their local names, because there is no English equivalent to these terms. Elephants also have several callouses on their body acquired from work, laying down and also from chains. Injuries on callouses do not heal completely as they are constantly under pressure. Most of the injuries are caused due to ignorance and uncontrolled use of restraining devices. Mahouts must be aware that the well being of an elephant rests in their hands.

1. Trunk tip: The finger like tip on the trunk is called the thunikkai. Trunk is the most important organ to an elephant. It depends on the trunk for a variety of functions such as breathing, sniffing, drinking water, breaking branches etc. The thunikkai can pick up small objects from the ground. Damage to this appendage will affect the elephant’s ability to perform the above mentioned activities. The mahout must hence be careful, that the elephant does not injure its trunk, by accident.
2. Temporal region: The temporal region is called the kannakuzhi. Injuries to this area due to use of stick, or ankus will cause blindness eventually. Deep wounds may also affect flow of musth fluid in bulls.
3. Head: Head injuries may lead to brain damage, internal swelling and pus formation.
4. Forehead bump: The forehead bump is called Vayukumbham. Injuries result in swelling and pus. The pus sometimes drips out of the nose.
5. Irikkasthanam: The mahout’s seat on elephant back is called irikkasthanam. This region becomes tender due to constant use of pressure by mahout.
6. Vakkathazambu: Timber elephants develop callouses on their forelegs from constant abrasion of the logging rope or vakka. This callous is called the vakkathazambu. This area becomes sensitive over the years.
7. Thavalakkuzhi: The depression behind the forelegs, above the base of foot is called thavalakkuzhi. Abuse with valiya kol (or long pole), will cause the front feet to bend inwards.
8. Penis: At times penis may emerge to its full length, and trail on the ground. During this condition the mahout must be careful while using the stick. The elephant must walk at a slow pace to prevent abrasions from trailing on the ground.
9. Belly: The belly is tender when it is full. Mahouts must not use the stick on the belly. It may affect the digestion and may also cause internal infection leading to pus formation.
10. Kidakkathazhambu: Callous developed on the pelvis, from laying on the sides is called kidakkathazhmabu.
11. Chain callouses: Regular use of hobbles and body chains makes skin on these areas calloused.
12. Palate: The upper palate is called the melannakku. It is thick in texture, yet a slight prod with an sharp object can cause bleeding. During festivals, mahouts prod this region with their stick, thus forcing the elephant to hold its head upright. This practise must be discouraged.
13. The perineal region: The base of the penis is in the perineal region. Prodding or beating on this area, will also injure the penis.

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PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF ELEPHANT HANDLING

A.K. Ponnappan, E.V. Radhakrishnan

The profession of a mahout is a demanding one and requires several kinds of skills and virtues from the mahout. Listed below are pointers for mahouts, which may help them in their profession.

Mahouts should know :

• To climb a palm tree
• To prepare feed for the elephant
• To prepare coconut husks for bathing elephants
• To bathe an elephant
• To identify medicinal plants and prepare traditional medications
• To identify ailments in elephants
• To swim
• To identify various fodder species
• Foot and verbal commands
• Logging and ezhunnallippu practices (temple festivals)
• Preparing ropes or vakka
• Sensitive points on elephant’s body
• Use of restraining devices and their care.

Mahout personality:

• Mahouts should have stamina, quick reflexes, sense of discrimination, and most of all patience, perseverance and responsibility.
• Common sense and a sharp mind are essential qualities for a mahout to handle in a crisis.
• A short tempered person must not enter this profession. He may use the elephant to vent his anger.
• Mahouts must know how to bargain for fodder with local public. Most often, the public do not charge for fodder, but sometimes mahouts have to pay. Good relationship with public will enable a mahout to get fodder free of cost and also any other assistance.

Superstitions and local beliefs: A lot of and myths exist among the mahouts, about the profession and elephants. Gut feeling and institution are given a lot of importance.

• An elephant is considered as representative form of Lord Ganesha, the God with the elephant head. Hence it is respected and worshipped all over India. Therefore, it is considered disrespectful, to mount or ride the elephant with footwear on. Before mounting, the mahout must pray and have a very peaceful mind. If he is agitated mentally and does not feel confident, he should not approach the elephant at all. This is because elephants ( and other animals) can sense emotions such as fear, and apprehension.
• Mahouts and the locals believe that money gained by deceit in this profession, will bring negative results to the person who cheated i.e. money gained by overworking and starving the elephant, or by cheating the mahout of his rightful pay, will bring the downfall of the owner. The belief is that elephants can curse. and so anybody causing discomfort and misery to it will be cursed.
• Elephants are often afflicted by evil eye. Mahouts talk of a person in Kerala, who is able to cast a spell on elephants. If he walked by an elephant and made a comment, that elephant would immediately go berserk. After this, only he can control the elephant. He would charge a fee for doing so and it is said that he makes a living this way.

Personal safety :

• While approaching the elephant, mahout must carry restraining devices.
• While riding the elephant, mahout must look out for low lying branches, electric wires and ropes. The elephant must be made to go slow or manoeuvre to avoid the obstacle.
• The dhoti, must be worn above the ankle, so that they do not trip on it while mounting or dismounting.

Other points:

• Mahouts have to make sure that their elephants are well fed and drink enough water. The tethering area must be maintained clean. Mahouts must give scrub baths every day to the elephant. Only after meeting the elephant’s needs should the mahout retire for the day. Mahouts have been known to ignore keep aside their life matters, until they have tended to their elephant’s needs.
• While in a public place such as a crowded road or festival site, the mahout must watch out if the elephant is mis behaving. It may try to grab food from nearby shops, chase hen, cattle or dogs. People may try to grab the elephant’s tail or try to touch. Most elephants do not like being touched or fondled by strangers.
• Elephants must not be allowed to stand close to an electric post or wall. they may try to lean against or may push it down. Standing an elephant below or close to, any electric apparatus or device can be dangerous. A spark from the device may scare the elephant and it may bolt. The mahout while walking with the elephant, must watch for concrete or cement slabs , septic tank lids, which may collapse under the elephant’s weight. He must also look out for glass pieces and sharp stones. The mahout must realise that he is responsible for the elephant’s safety.
• A mahout must always carry a pocket knife. This is not only for personal safety, but also comes handy at several occasions such as, to remove glass or stones embedded in the elephant’s sole, to shell coconuts, cut ropes, and also to trim coconut husk.
• It is common for elephants to panic for some reason and run away from the mahout. An elephant that has mis-behaved is like a guilty child. Instead of punishing it, the mahout must soothe it with kind words and food. This will revive elephant’s faith in the mahout, and on another occasion when it bolts, it may immediately return to the mahout, after bolting.
• Elephants love to spray mud on themselves. This can be exasperating when a mahout has spent hours scrubbing and cleaning the elephant for a function. Mahouts therefore scatter elephant dung on the hole where the elephant digs the mud from. Elephants do not like touching their own dung and so they are discouraged from taking the mud.
• When tying a rope around the elephant’s neck, the mahout must make the elephant place its feet firmly on the ground. This is to prevent the elephant from shifting its feet or kicking backwards.
• The verbal commands to the elephant must be loud and firm in tone. It should jolt the elephant into action.
• When walking along side the elephant, the mahout must be mindful of the movement of the elephant’s feet to avoid being stepped upon and trampled.

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PRACTICAL POINTERS

Maheshwaran Namboothiri Pad

Diet

• The elephant should not be overfed as it might cause impaction or other abdominal ailments
• Mud eating should be discouraged

Body temperature

·         Body temperature should not be caused to change dramatically or suddenly from hot to cool or vice versa. An example of wrong practice is bathing an elephant in a river immediately after work.

Body sensitivity to substances

• The tethering site should be free of slush and dirt as the microbes in it can cause diseases on the legs, such as foot rot.
• The elephant is allergic to human excreta and care should be taken to avoid contact of human waste with the elephant’s skin.

Approaching an elephant

• Before approaching an elephant, the length of the chain by which it is tied must be checked. This is to see how far it can reach out.
• The elephant should be approached from the back or side, not the front
• Avoid bending or becoming supine before an elephant, even accidentally, because it has a natural tendency to take advantage of a lower position.
• An elephant should not be wakened abruptly. The elephant should approach from the back with soothing sounds to wake the animal.

Body position

·         An elephant should be tied with its head always in a slightly elevated position and not in an overhanging position. There were instances of elephants which were chained close to a well found hanging down dead.

Mahout relationship

• a mahout must be brave with good reflexes and presence of mind
• He should not use weapons indiscriminately as the elephant will develop hatred towards the mahout and the mahout will loose his command over the elephant.
• Always use intelligence and clever tactics, as the elephant is a very intelligent creature.

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ANIMAL PSYCHOLOGY AS APPLIED TO TRAINING

It is always a wonder to watch a huge creature like the elephant, being controlled by humans. Domestication and training of elephants goes back to several 1000 years. Elephants were trained for a variety of purposes such as warfare, parades, timber hauling etc. Even today, elephants play an important role in various cultures and societies. They continue to be trained for other reasons like, circuses, joy rides etc. The secret of successful training, lies in understanding the basic principles of training. It also involves, understanding the animal's biology and psychology.

Elephants are trained at a very early age, by mahouts. It takes at least two years to train an elephant for timber hauling and festivals. The behaviour and temperament of an elephant is moulded during the training period, and remains throughout the elephants life. To be a successful trainer, it is important to be sensible, sensitive and patient. The trainer or mahout must be able to develop a bond with his elephant. The bonding comes over a period of time.

Like humans, and other animals, elephants also learn by trial and error. The lessons set in firmly, with repetition and practice. If the elephant responds positively to a command, the mahout must appreciate the elephant, with kind words, caresses and also food. Rewarding or acknowledging positive action is very important during training. This reinforces good behaviour and the elephant will try to do the correct action, for the reward.

Curiosity is a natural thing for animals and humans. All of us learn lessons in life because we are curious. A mahout must not discourage his elephants curiosity. He must allow the elephant to explore and find it's own understanding about various things. They use their sense of smell, touch and hearing to understand their surroundings. This is called cognitive learning. For instance, if an elephant is being taught to cross a bridge, it will first sniff the bridge or the floor, with it's trunk. It will cross the bridge, only if it is convinced of it's safety. The mahout must respect the elephant's fears and with patience, gently guide the elephant to cross the bridge. This not only helps the elephant to overcome fears but also increases it's trust in the mahout.

A mahout must also be sensible about training. He must consider the age, body condition and temperament of an elephant before training it for a particular task. The body condition of an elephant is an important factor in training. An elephant that is arthritic or with stiff limbs cannot be expected to walk faster or is not suited for timber hauling. Similarly, an elephant with an aggressive temperament is not suitable for temple festivals.

Golden rules for animal trainers:

• Never compromise the animal's welfare.
• Avoid corporal punishment.
• Develop a personal bond between you and your animal.
• Never prolong training sessions.
• Be consistent with a particular style of teaching.
• Repeat commands, with necessary modulations in the voice.
• Always be encouraging and positive.
• Be patient.

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TRAINING ELEPHANTS AT ELEPHANT CAMPS

A.K. Ponnappan

Care of new capture:

Newly captured elephants sustain several injuries during their fall and also while being transported in to the camp site. These injuries have to be treated immediately after the elephant is enkralled. A herbal preparation consisting of salt, buffalo dung, coffee plant leaves, leaves of panal ( Glycosmis pentaphylla) kammatti, and turpentine are splashed or sprayed with considerable force on the elephant’s body. The forceful application combined with the action of the ingredients, help in treating the sores and bruises.

Training of new capture:

Step I

Training of an elephant begins right from the moment it is taken out from the pit. The elephant comes into contact with human beings and learns the first lessons of submissiveness. How ever the formal training begins right after it is enkralled. The elephant reacts strongly to being in the kraal and also to the application of medicine. The mahout in charge of training would say commands in Malayalam, ie "aruthe", meaning "No" or "don’t". The elephant is taught to keep its face away when the mahout approaches the kraal. The mahout throws a piece of fodder to the elephant’s left side. The elephant moves towards the fodder and the mahout says "edathe" which is the command for moving to the left. The process is repeated until the elephant responds to the commands. The same method is applied to teach the elephant to move to the right.

Step II

Newly captured elephants, do not always place their foot firmly on the ground. This is a sign of nervousness and agitation. The mahouts therefore teach the elephant to place its feet firmly on the ground. Once the elephant learns to do so, ropes are tied onto its feet to familiarise with the idea of chains. The rope is eventually replaced by real chains. The mahout then attempts to enter the kraal to clean it and also to familiarise the elephant with himself.

Step III

The elephant is taken out of the kraal, for a few hours, every day, after a few weeks. Koonkies are used to assist the mahouts. Ropes are secured around the body and with great caution, the elephant is slowly taken to a river side or stream to be washed. This phase of the training is very risky because the elephant may try to attack the mahouts.

Step IV

Elephants are taught to obey foot commands by using sharp prods on the ears. The prods are accompanied by, the mahout’s foot movements on the rope, around the neck.

Step V

Elephants are taken for walks along the country side, to familiarise them with various noises and sights of civilisation. Elephants are also trained for timber hauling and also for festivals. The entire training period takes about 1-2 years.